Lookers is giving its diversity credentials a further boost by becoming one of the first motor retailers to become a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Stonewall is a leading employers’ programme that works to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff are accepted without exception in the workplace.

The retailer joins over 700 other Stonewall partners in the programme and is now planning to launch its first LGBT network, which will be available to all group people and will feature a forum in which members can organise events, discuss LGBT topics and generate ideas for improvement within the company.

Adam Carney, Group Diversity Manager, said: “I am delighted that we have become one of Stonewall’s ‘Diversity Champions’ as it will become a key part of our work to promote diversity across the business, helping us to create an inclusive environment for our people and customers.

“We will be setting up an LGBT network within Lookers. This group will be for all our people to engage on LGBT events and news.”

Stonewall will now offer Lookers their library of research and best-practice guides, guidance and analysis on the company’s Workplace Equality Index and review group policies to ensure they are LGBT inclusive.

“We are delighted that Lookers has joined the Diversity Champions programme and I look forward to working with them to help ensure that it’s an inclusive workplace for all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff”, Stonewall representative, Matthew Moore, added.

“We know that people perform better at work when they can be themselves and that diverse teams lead to more creative and productive environments.

“Lookers is leading the way in this area and we hope they can influence other organisations to follow in their footsteps.”

Becoming a Stonewall Diversity Champion is just one of the ways in which Lookers are embracing diversity within the company. The group is also working alongside Mumsnet, the UK’s most popular parenting website, to establish a welcoming environment for customers and staff with families, and supports new mums within the business by providing an industry-leading one year’s fully paid maternity leave.